Classification of Minerals: Macro, Trace, and Toxic Elements Explained

Classification of Minerals: Macro, Trace, and Toxic Elements Explained

Classification of minerals.
Answer.

The mineral elements constitute only a small proportion of the body weight, and there is a wide variation in their body content

Minerals perform several vital functions that are absolutely essential for the existence of man

These functions include calcification of bone, blood clotting, neuromuscular irritability, acid-base balance and water-electrolyte balance.

Classification

The elements of the body are divided into 5 major groups

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Group 1

• These are components of macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
• Examples
  • Carbon (C)
  • Hydrogen (H)
  • Oxygen (O)
  • Nitrogen (N)

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Group 2

• These are nutritionally important minerals or principal elements
• Their daily requirement is more than 100 mg
• Their deficiency can prove fatal
• They are also known as macro elements
• Examples
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Chloride (Cl)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Sulfur (S)

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Group 3

• These are known as trace elements
• They are essential elements and their requirement is less than 100 mg
• Their deficiency can lead to serious disorders
• Examples
  • Chromium (Cr)
  • Cobalt (Co)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Iodine (I)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Molybdenum (Mb)
  • Selenium (Se)
  • Zinc (Zn)

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Group 4

• These are additional trace elements
• They may be possibly essential
• Their exact role is not known
• Examples
  • Cadmium (Cd)
  • Nickel (Ni)
  • Silicon (Si)
  • Tin (Sn)
  • Vanadium (Vn)

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Group 5

• These are not essential elements and may be toxic
• They have no known function in the body
• They may enter the body through polluted air, water, soil or food
• Examples
  • Arsenic (As)
  • Cyanide (Cn)
  • Mercury (Hg)